That extra coverage, protection, and warmth of ski bibs go a long way, especially for backcountry pursuits. While bibs offer great advantages in the backcountry, they can easily turn into an oven without the right features.
In this guide we give you the low down on the best ski bibs on the market so you can make a wise and informed choice.
Don’t Forget To Pin It For Later
Are Ski Bibs Better?
Here are three reasons why ski bibs may be a better choice than traditional ski pants.
Greater Protection From Elements
Ski bibs provide greater coverage and protection. They eliminate the gap between the bottom of your ski jacket and the top of your ski pants where it’s common for snow to creep in and make you uncomfortable. Additionally, they provide waterproof protection which also keeps you dry and warm. If you want to block the gap completely, choose a ski jacket and bib from the same brand such as this Outdoor Research jacket and bib pair.
Added Storage
Another thing about ski bibs is that they offer more storage space compared to normal ski pants. Bibs usually come with multi pockets that can be used to store essentials and other gear.
More Comfortable
Since bibs don’t require belts, they are more comfortable to wear and give more freedom to move which is especially important when skiing. They also come with adjustable features for a custom and comfortable fit.
Related Reading: 7 Best Women’s Ski Jackets of 2021-2022
How To Choose A Ski Bib?
When choosing a ski bib, here are some of the features you should look out for:
Ventilation
Bibs can definitely keep you warm but without proper ventilation, one can easily overheat. Make sure you look out for breathable materials and vents when choosing a ski bib. One good feature is full-side zippers that allow you to open up the bib from waist to ankle for full-on airflow. Another one is thigh vents like those found in Flylow Men’s Smythe Bib.
Material
Recent advancements in material technology make it possible to use waterproof material that is also lightweight. GORE-Tex material is great and offers weatherproofing capability. Also, bibs with DWR (Durable Water-Repellant) finish are great to keep you dry and should not weigh too much.
Drop-Seat Capability
This is one of the most important features to consider because no one really wants to take off their entire bib when going to the bathroom. It is important that the bib you’ll choose would either have one or two full-side zippers that allow you to open up the back of your bibs.
Built-in Gaiters
To prevent snow from getting inside your boots, gaiters are a must. It’s better if you can find bibs with gaiters that have an excellent grip on the inside and have straps that you can adjust if needed.
Pockets
Although pockets can be a personal preference, it’s always good to have some extra room for your necessities and other gear that you’ll need along the way. Multiple pockets strategically placed on ski bibs come in handy especially when you don’t want to bring backpacks that need to be taken on and off just to get some of your stuff.
What Are The Best Ski Bibs?
Now that you know the criteria for finding a good pair of ski bibs, it’s now time to choose the ski bibs that suit you. We’ve reviewed some of the best ski bibs on the market to help you pick out the best ski bibs that are ready from light alpine tours to the most rugged mountain conditions.
Best Ski Bibs
Features: Durable water repellent (DWR) finish, Micro-seam allowance (1.6mm), Drop seat design, Durable 100-denier CORDURA® PowderCuffs™, Keprotec™ instep guards, Athletic e3D fit, integrated RECCO® reflector
The Beta SV Bib is designed to withstand and deliver maximum performance on various pursuits even in harsh winter conditions. The hardwearing and highly versatile Arc'teryx Beta SV men's bib pant features a 3 layer GORE-TEX Pro for complete weather protection and rugged mountain conditions.
It has a durable water repellent( DWR) feature which offers the first line of defense against moisture. The water-resistant WaterTight zippers fully separate for a drop seat option and easy removal of boots and crampons. Furthermore, its micro seam allowance of 1.66 mm reduces the bulk and weight of the bib.
Helps in sealing in the snow is the Durable 100-denier CORDURA® PowderCuffs™. While the Keprotec™ instep guards can resist cuts and abrasion.
Features: Pertex Shield 3L, Fully seam taped, Dual side zips, Arcade belt webbing suspender straps with warli tribe thatched roof print, Quick release arcade suspender buckles, Avalanche beacon pocket with clip
Next on our list of the best ski bibs on the market is the Outdoor Research Carbide Bib. These versatile and lightweight ski bibs are made for alpine tours or for those who seek winter adventure in various places. It uses an exceptional 3 layer waterproof and breathable protection from Pertex .
It is packed with several features that are geared towards comfort and versatility that can adapt to whatever conditions that can come along the road. The adjustable suspender straps keep snow out while the internal gaiter at the cuffs covers your boots. Plus, it features dual side zips that make it easier to wear and take off, and with the right side zip extended, going to the bathroom won’t be as hard.
Features: GORE-TEX two-layer fabric, Zip vents, Multi Stash Cargo Pocketing, GORE-TEX seam tape, Living Lining® thermo-regulating technology
The Men's Burton GORE‑TEX Reserve Bib Pant offers the classic bib style incorporated with the excellent storm-stopping power of GORE-TEX performance fabrics. This bib pant focuses on three main things including style, performance, and sustainability.
The two-layered GORE-Tex fabric is windproof, waterproof, breathable, and durable which is guaranteed to keep you warm and dry no matter where your adventure takes you. It also comes with GORE-TEX seam tape and provides durable seam protection for further weather and waterproof design. The Living Lining® thermo-regulating technology provides climate-controlled comfort.
Aside from these features, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the Test-I-Cool zippered vents and multi-stash pockets that are perfect no matter what kind of mountain condition you may face. Its relaxed fit allows for easy movement and provides space for layering underneath.
Features: HELLY TECH® Professional, bluesign approved product, Boot gaiters with stretch silicone gripper, Reinforcement fabric on bottom hem, Stretch fabric on the back of the bib, 2 cargo pockets with D-ring for beacon
Helly Hansen has been creating professional-grade gear since 1877, that’s why it's not surprising to find one of their products here in our list of the best ski bibs on the market. The Sogn bib ski pants are designed for freeride and backcountry action, and are equipped with mountain-ready features that will carry you no matter what the condition.
Featuring a ripstop HELLY TECH® Professional 3 layer fabric that is waterproof and breathable that keeps you warm and dry for a comfortable time outdoors. It is fully seamed with Durable Water Repellency treatment (DWR) for further waterproof protection. For more breathability, the lightweight stretchy fabric can be found in the bib’s back panel. The adjustable suspenders, belt loops, and waist allow for a custom fit.
Features: Intuitive™ Perm fabric, Reinforced cuffs, Stretch softshell bib top, Inner and outer thigh vents, Articulated knees, Fully seam taped, Beacon attachment system in the chest pocket, Long exterior zip
The Smyth Bib is the lightest bib being offered by the Flylow and is ideal for traveling to peaks without overheating. This light and the very breathable bib are strong enough to carry you across a variety of rugged backcountry conditions. The Smyth bib is made of customized Perm fabric that is breathable and offers a 20K waterproof rating. Also, a stretch woven softshell top on the bib is ultra-breathable.
The zippered outer thigh pocket can be accessed wearing a harness and features a beacon attachment point that provides added safety during backcountry adventures.
Features: DryVent™ 2L Shell, Chest pocket with hook-and-loop closure, Adjustable Waist, Boot Gaiters, Multi-pockets, Suspenders, Scuff Guards, Thigh Vents, Adjustable Shoulder Strap, Reinforced Hem
The North Face Freedom Ski Bib comes with a practical design that covers all your bases to shield you from the snow. Aside from keeping snow out, it also eliminates the need to wear a belt for enhanced mobility and comfort that the normal ski pants fail to provide sometimes.
It features a DryVent™ 2L Shell that is durable water repellent(DWR) to keep you dry throughout the season. The two zippered slash pockets, two cargo pockets, and a chest pocket are there as storage for your necessities or other winter gear.
You Might Also Be Interested In our Other Outdoor Living Posts